Homs, Syria: Discovering the Ancient History of Central Syria

Homs, Syria, ancient Emesa, occupies a hinge. Set on the Orontes between Palmyra and the Mediterranean, at the head of the Gap of Homs — the main lowland pass connecting coast to interior — its citadel was founded in the 3rd millennium BCE. For centuries it was capital of Emesene Arabs, then a Roman colony that produced empresses and emperors, famous for a temple whose god was a black stone.

Emesa: Arab Kingdom On The Orontes

Emesa on the Syrian Orontes, modern Homs, was centre of an Arab kingdom. King Sampsigeramus I in the 1st century BCE, having failed to gain control of former Seleucid territories, became a Roman ally. The Arab Emesani dynasty were confirmed in their rule as client kings of the Romans in 64 BCE. In early 1st century CE Sampsigeramus II and Azizus continued this policy, though for end of century history is obscure. At end of 2nd century CE it re-emerged as native city of Iulia Domna, Iulia Avita Mamaea, Elagabalus, and Severus Alexander.

Town near Orontes, between Palmyra and sea, it was capital of Emesene Arabs whose dynasts called Jamblichus, Sohaem, or Samsigeram were vassals of Romans from 1st century BCE to 1st century AD. Though settled since Early Bronze Age, city only became prominent in Roman times. It was important in Roman times as capital of Phoenicia-Libanesia, a commercial centre located in fertile plain where wheat, grapes, fruit and vegetables are grown, historically producing manufactures, now road and rail junction.

Timeline notes Syro-Ephraimite War with Assyrians in power in 732 BCE and Persian Achaemenid Empire around 540 BCE. Biblical scholars have identified the city with Hamath-zobah. In neighbourhood of Emesa, Zenobia, queen of Palmyra, was defeated. The city declined with fall of Palmyra, but became an important Christian metropolis, later retaining sanctity under Islamic rule.

The Black Stone And The Empresses

Emesa was famous for its temple to the sun god Elagabalus, which housed a conical black baetyl, and famous as birthplace of empress Julia Domna and emperor Elagabalus. The temple platform was originally built under Domitian between 81 and 96, and may have been place of worship to Jupiter. When Elagabalus became emperor in 218 the temple was expanded and rededicated to god Elagabal, patron deity of homeplace Emesa. Elagabal was personified by conical black stone, suggested to have been piece of meteorite. Name derives from Ilah, Semitic word for god, and gabal, Arabic for mountain, resulting in God of the Mountain, Emesene manifestation of deity.

Julius Bassianus born first half of 2nd century, died 217, was Arab high priest of Elagabalus at Temple of the Sun in Emesa, where solar deity was worshipped in shape of black stone. He was member of Royal family of Emesa, which was Emesene dynasty. His daughter Julia Domna born around 160 AD to Arab family part of Emesene dynasty, name Domna is archaic Arabic word meaning black, referencing nature of sun god Elagabalus which took form of black stone. She was youngest daughter of high priest, sister to Julia Maesa. Julia Maesa restored family’s imperial status in 218, producing lineage of Julia Soaemias, Julia Avita Mamaea, Elagabalus, and Severus Alexander.

Emesa was raised to colonial status and flourished at beginning of 3rd century AD. It was famous for its temple of Sun and cult of its black stone. There are few ancient remains. The principal mosque occupies site of temple. Coins show temple had sculptured columns of rare type. The necropoleis have produced fine basalt stelai with portraits of dead in Damascus museum. Main monument replaced by railway station was tall, square, funerary tower with two stories, adorned with engaged columns, frieze of wreaths and ox-bucrania, capped by tall pyramid. It was mausoleum of Caius Julius Sampsigeramus, who died in 78 or 79. Same necropolis produced funerary mask with attached helmet in chased silver, parade weapons, pieces of armor, and jewelry in Damascus museum. Countryside around Homs shows traces of centuriation, Roman land division.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is Homs Located In Central Syria?

On Orontes River between Palmyra and sea, at head of Gap of Homs main lowland pass. Citadel founded in 3rd millennium BCE in fertile plain of wheat, grapes, fruit and vegetables. Today road and rail junction with oil refinery and university, identified by some scholars with Hamath-zobah.

Why Was Ancient Emesa Famous For Its Temple?

For Temple of Sun god Elagabalus housing conical black baetyl, God of Mountain, possibly meteorite. Temple platform built under Domitian 81-96, expanded under emperor Elagabalus in 218. Coins show rare sculptured columns. Principal mosque now occupies site. Priesthood held by Emesene royal family.

Who Was Julia Domna Of Emesa?

Born Emesa around 160 AD, daughter of high priest Julius Bassianus, sister of Julia Maesa. Name Domna means black in archaic Arabic referencing black stone. Wife of Septimius Severus, mother of Caracalla and Geta, aunt of Elagabalus and Alexander Severus, part of Emesene dynasty that restored imperial status in 218.

What Happened To Emesa Under Rome?

Capital of Emesene Arabs, vassals from 1st century BCE to 1st century AD. Confirmed client kings 64 BCE, Sampsigeramus I became Roman ally, Sampsigeramus II and Azizus continued policy. Raised to colonial status under Severus, flourished early 3rd century AD, native town of Elagabalus. Declined after Palmyra fall, became Christian metropolis.

What Remains Of Ancient Emesa Today?

Few remains: principal mosque on temple site, basalt stelai portraits in Damascus museum, mausoleum of Caius Julius Sampsigeramus 78 or 79 — square tower with engaged columns, frieze of wreaths and bucranias, pyramid cap — silver funerary mask with helmet, armor and jewelry, and centuriation traces around Homs. Zenobia defeated nearby.

Homs endures as a city that turned a stone into an empire. The black baetyl did not need carving to command; its weight was sufficient. From Emesene high priests who were also dynasts to Julia Domna who carried its darkness in her name to Rome, Emesa shows how central Syria held power not by dominating the pass but by sacralizing it — a gap in mountains made legible by a god who was mountain itself.